Safety razor



' W. BROWN Aprifi 21, 1%6.

SAFETY RAZOR Filed July 9, 1954 lNVEN ran ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 21,1936 UNITED STATES SAFETY RAZOR William Brown, Sheffield, England,assignor of one-half to Darwins Limited, Sheffield, England ApplicationJuly 9, 1934, Serial No. 734,368 In Great Britain July 28, 1933 12Claims.

This invention relates to safety razors of the type in which a holdercomprising a guard and handle is provided with a securing lug adapted toembrace the back of a rigid blade, which may be hollow ground, and oneface of the blade is clamped against the lug by pressure applied to theother face thereof.

The object of the invention is to provide improvements in theconstruction and operation of the safety razor, and particularly toenable the same clearance to be maintained in the clamped positionbetween the edge of the blade and the guard, even though the clampingmovement of the blade in relation to the securing lug may vary owing tocircumstances, such as varying thicknesses of blades. A further objectis to provide improved means for applying the clamping pressure and forretainingthe blade in the holder before the clamping pressure is appliedand after it has been relieved when assembling or dis-assembling theparts, or when making adjustments.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated fromthe following description and accompanying drawing.

In the accompanying drawing:-

Figure 1 is an elevation of a safety razor according to the presentinvention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a. side view of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a sectional plan on the line 4-4 of Figure 3.

' Figure 5 is a sectional elevation on a larger scale of a modificationillustrating the'parts in the operative clamping position, and

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the parts in the packingposition.

1 Like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the drawing.

With reference first to Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the holder comprises ahollow body I!) which is in the form of or incorporates a handle withthe securing lug II fitted to one end, the lug II being adapted toembrace the back of a rigid blade I2.

The blade I2 is supported on a sliding clamping base I3 which carriesthe guard I4. As shown most'clearly in Figure 4 one side of a frameprovides the clamping base I3, and the opposite side constitutes theguard I4 which, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is displaced from the planeof the clamping base I3 to provide the shaving clearance between it andthe edge of the blade I2. The centralportion of the clamping base I3projects inside the'frame as shown in Figure 4 to provide a centralsupport for the blade I2. At its outer edge the clamping base I3 isprovided with two positioning stops I5 with which the back of the bladeI2 is-intended to make contact in order to determine the position of itscutting edge in relation to the guard I 4 in the direction of its medianplane.

The outer edge of the clamping base I3 is also slotted or notched toembrace a reduced part It of a stem portion of the securing lug II. Theclamping base I3 with its guard I4 is movable along guides towards andaway from the securing lug II. As shown in Figure 2 the clamping base iscarried on a rod I'I sliding in the hollow body III, the rod II beingriveted, spot-welded, screwed or otherwise rigidly secured to thecentral portion of the clamping base I3. The guides for the clampingbase I3 are provided by the rod I1 and by the reduced part I6 of thesecuring lug where it is embraced by the slotted or notched portion ofthe clamping base. Rotation of the clamping base in relation to thehollow body is thus also prevented, and stops limiting the movement ofthe clamping base towards the securing lug II are provided by shouldersI8 at one end of the reduced part I6 of the securing lug. These stops I8are so arranged that when the blade I2 is clamped in the holder there isa clearance between the clamping base I3 and the stops as shown inFigure 3. The rod I1 is operated to move the clamping base I3 towardsand away from the securing lug II by a screw device and, for thispurpose, the rod I! may be rotatably connected to a knob or the like I9working on the end of the body II As shown in Figure 2 a tubular part 20of the knob I 9 extends between a reduced portion 2| of the rod and thebody ID with which it has a screw engagement. The end of the part 2| isrotatably connected to the knob I9 as shown at 22, and it will beunderstood that as the knob I9 is turned the rod I'I, 2|, will be causedto slide axially in the body It thereby moving the clamping base I3towards or away from the securing lug II.

If desired the screw engagement between the knob extension'ZD and thebody may be provided by a pin or projection on the extension engaging ahelical slot in the body.

.In order to fit the blade I2 in the holder the clamping base I3 isfirst retracted from the securing .lug I I and the blade is then placedon the clamping base with its back against the positioning stops I5. Endstops, not illustrated, may be provided on the clamping base to assistin locating the blade and, when the construction is such that in theretracted position of the clamping base the blade can only be insertedendwise, one

or both of the end stops may be movable. Such a movable stop may beprovided by a spring controlled ball in a recess of the clamping base.

The blade I2 thus placed on the clamping base I3 will take up a definitepredetermined position in relation to the guard I4 and this relativeposition will be maintained as the clamping base, guard and blade aremoved into and out of the clamping position by manipulation of the knobI9.

The parts are preferably arranged for the clamping base I3 to bear uponthe blade I2 along a line of contact adjacent to the positioning stopsI5, this line of contact being provided in the case of a hollow groundblade by the back edge of the blade on the plane surface of the clampingbase I 3. In addition to this line of contact the central inwardlyprojecting portion of the clamping base I3 also bears upon the bladewhilst the securing lug I I bears on the opposite face of the bladepreferably between the two contacts of the clamping base therewith. Ifdesired, however, the clamping base I3 may be provided with a projectingrib or edge to bear against the blade I2 or the clamping base may beshaped to correspond with the shape of and to fit closely against theblade I2.

In a modification the rod I! may be rotatably connected to the clampingbase I3 and. be provided with a screw engagement with the body I0.

In the modification illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 the clamping base I3is controlled by a spring 23 which tends to move it towards the securinglug I I, so that the spring is capable of holding the blade in theholder although the blade is preferably clamped against the lug II bymeans of screw pressure rigidly applied.

The securing lug II is carried by a suitable body 24 which isconveniently of relatively short axial length as illustrated and isprovided with an axial hollow guiding a cup 25 or hollow cylinder whichslides in the hollow, and extends from the clamping base to which it issecured by riveting spot-welding or otherwise. The spring 23 is housedin the cup 25, the open end of which is adapted to be closed by a plate26 also adapted to slide in the hollow of the body 24. of this body isprovided with a tapped hole 21 (Figure 6) extending to the axial hollowand the handle 28 (which may be solid) is provide-d with a screw 29 atone end to engage the tapped hole 21.

The screw 29 is of sufficient length to move the plate 26 up to the endof the cup 25 against the action of the spring 23 and to move theclamping base I3 and blade I2 into the clamping position shown in Figure5 as well as to apply the clamping pressure which will be rigidlytransmitted to the clamping base I3 through the plate 26 and the cup 25.On releasing the clamping pressure the spring 23 will retain the bladeI2'in place moving the plate 26 towards the base of the recess as thescrew 29 is retracted.

It will be understood that the clamping base I3 will be guided in itsmovements by the cup 25 and by engagement with the reduced part I6 ofthe securing lug I I as described with reference to Figure 3.

In order to enable the razor to be packed into a relatively shallowspace the handle 28 may be detached from the holder body or clampingbase guide 24 and screwed into a tapped hole in the securing lug II insubstantial alignment with the width of the blade I2 as shown in Figure6, the plate 26 being then move-d by the spring 23 into the base of theguiding recess. If desired the The base blade I2 may be formed with ahole or groove in its back to receive the end of the screw 29 which willthus locate the blade in the holder and assist the spring pressure toretain it therein. In some cases the screw 29 may engage a tapped holein the back of the blade itself.

If desired a similar tapped hole, adapted to be engaged by the screw 29,may be provided as indicated at 30 at one or both ends of the blade I2to facilitate handling the latter when placing it in or removing it fromthe holder or a stropping appliance, and as an alternative means forreducing the space required for packing purposes. When the handle screw29 thus engages either of the end blade holes .30, the razor may be usedfor shaving purposes, the spring 23 holding the blade against thesecuring lug II in correct relationship with the guard I4 and the handle28 extending parallel to the cutting edge of the blade I2 instead ofbeing in the more usual position at about right angles thereto.

In some cases the plate 26 may be dispensed with, the screw 29 thenpassing inside the spring 23 to bear against the base of the cup 25 orthe clamping base I3 or against a part attached thereto.

It will be appreciated that to insert the blade I2 in the holder or toremove it therefrom, the screw 29 is first retracted and the clampingbase I3 may then be moved against the action of its spring away from thelug II to give sufiicient clearance for the passage of the blade.

What I claim is:

1. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body, havinga hole therein and a shoulder within the hole, a securing lug attachedto the body, a clamping base, guiding means for the clamping basecomprising a cylindrical cup secured thereto and slidably engaging thehole, a compression spring of uncompressed length greater than that ofthe cup housed partly therein, a plate capable of abutting against theshoulder and forming an abutment for the spring and screw means forurging the plate against the force of the spring away from the shoulderinto contact with the cup thus to apply a positive force to the clampingbase in addition to that of the spring.

2. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body having ahole therethrough, a stem rigidly attached to the body and extending ina direction generally parallel with the axis of the hole in the body, ahooked securing lug projecting therefrom, a movable clamping base, aguide member secured to the clamping base and slidably engaging the holein the body to guide the motion of the clamping base, a shaving guardintegral with the clamping base, mieans integral with the clamping basefor registering a blade thereon and screw means extending through thehole in the body for applying a thrust to the clamping base to tend tomove it relative to the body towards the hook of the securing lug,

3. A safety razor blade holder comprising, in combination, a body havinga hole therethrough, a stem rigidly attached to the body and extendingin a direction generally parallel with the axis of the hole in the body,a hooked securing lug projecting therefrom, a movable clamping basehaving a slot therein embracing the securing lug and forming a guide forthe motion of the clamping base, a guide member secured to the clampingbase and slidably engaging the hole in the body to guide the motion ofthe clamping base, a shaving guard integral with the clamping base,meansintegral with theclamping base for registering a blade thereon andmeans for applying to the clamping base a thrust to tend to moveitrelative. to the body towards the hook.

4. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body having ahole therein, a shoulder within the hole and a screw-threaded co-axialextension of said hole, a stem rigidly attached to the body andextending in a direction generally parallel with the axis of the hole, ahooked securing lug projecting therefrom, a movable clamping base, aguide member secured to the clamping base and slidably engaging the holein the body to guide the motion of the clamping base, a shaving guardintegral with the clamping base, means integral with the clamping basefor registering a blade thereon, and screw means engaging thescrew-threaded extension in the body for applying a thrust to the guidemember to tend to move it and the clamping base relative to the bodytowards the hook of the securing lug.

5. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body having ahole therein, a shoulder within the hole and a screw-threaded co-axialextension of said hole, a hooked securing lug rigidly attached to thebody, a movable clamping base, guiding means for the clamping base, acoiled compression spring housed within the hole in the body tending tourge the clamping base towards the securing lug, a handle, ascrew-threaded end thereon engaging the screwthreaded extension, andmeans to transmit to the clamping base the thrust of the screw-threadedend of the handle when the latter is screwed into the screw-threadedhole in the body.

6. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body having ahole therein, a shoulder within the hole and a screw-threaded oo-axialextension of said hole, a hooked securing lug rigidly attached to thebody, a movable clamping base, guiding means for the clamping base,resilient means housed within the hole in the body tending to urge theclamping base towards the securing lug, a thrust transmitting meanshoused within the hole for transmitting to the clamping base a positivethrust, and a screwed handle engaging the screw-threaded extension forapplying a positive thrust.

'7. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body havinga hole therethrough, a stem rigidly attached to the body and extendingin a direction generally parallel with the axis of the hole in the body,a hooked securing lug projecting therefrom, a movable clamping base, aguide member secured to the clamping base and slidably engaging the holein the body to guide the motion of the clamping base, a shaving guardintegral with the clamping base, means integral with the clamping basefor registering a blade thereon, resilient means disposed between thebody and the clamping base for applying a thrust to the clamping base totend to move it relative to the body towards the hook of the securinglug and means additional to the resilient means for positivelyconstraining the clamping base towards the hook of the securing lug.

8. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body having ahole therein, a shoulder within the hole, a stem rigidly attached to thebody and extending in a direction generally parallel with the axis ofthe hole in the body, a hooked securing lug projecting therefrom, amovable clamping base, a guide member secured to the clamping base andslidably engaging the holejinthe body to guide'th'e motion of theclamping base, a shaving guard integral with the clampingbase, meansintegral with the clamping base for registering a blade thereonresilient means housed within the hole in the body for urging theclamping base towards the securing lug and means for positivelyconstraining the clamping base towards the securing lug.

9. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body having ahole therein, a shoulder within the hole, a stem rigidly attached to thebody and extending in a direction generally parallel with the axis ofthe hole in the body, a hooked securing lug projecting thereon, amovable clamping base having a slot therein embracing the securing lugand forming a guide for the motion of the clamping base, a guide membersecured to the clamping base and slidably engaging the hole in the bodyto guide the motion of the clamping base, a shaving guard integral withthe clamping base, means integral with the clamping base for registeringa blade thereon, resilient means housed within the hole in the body forurging the clamping base towards the securing lug and means forpositively constraining the clamping base towards the securing lug.

10. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body havinga hole therein, a shoulder within the hole and a screw-threadedextension of said hole a stem rigidly attached to the body and extendingin a direction generally parallel with the axis of the hole in the body,a hooked securing lug projecting therefrom, a movable clamping base, aguide member secured to the clamping base and slidably engaging the holein the body to guide the motion of the clamping base, a shaving guardintegral with the clamping base, means integral with the clamping basefor registering a blade therein, resilient means housed within the holein the body for urging the clamping base towards the securing lug, ascrewed handle engaging the screw-threaded extension and means totransmit to the clamping base the thrust of the screw-threaded handlewhen the latter is screwed into the screw-threaded extension.

11, A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body havinga hole therein, a shoulder within the hole, a stem rigidly attached tothe body and extending in a direction generr ally parallel with the axisof the hole in the body,

a hooked securing lug projecting therefrom, a

movable clamping base having a slot therein embracing the stem andforming a guide for the motion of the clamping base, guiding means forthe clamping base, comprising a cylindrical cup secured thereto andslidably engaging the hole in the body, a coiled compression spring ofuncompressed length greater than that of the cup housed partly therein,a plate capable of abutting against the shoulder and forming an abutmentfor the spring and screw, means for urging the plate against the forceof the spring away from the shoulder into contact with the cup forpositively constraining the clamping base towards the securing lug.

12. A safety razor blade holder comprising in combination a body havinga hole therein, a shoulder within the hole and a screw-threaded co-axialextension of said hole, a stem rigidly attached to the body andextending in a direction generally parallel with the axis of the holesin the body, a hooked securing lug projecting therefrom, a movableclamping base having a slot therein embracing the stem and forming aguide for the motion of the clamping base, guiding means for theclamping base comprising a cylindrical cup secured thereto and slidablyengaging the hole in the body, a shaving guard integral with theclamping base, means integral with the clamping base for registering ablade thereon, a coiled compression spring of uncompressed lengthgreater than that of the cup housed partly therein, a handle having ascrewthreaded end engaging the screw-threaded extension and means totransmit to the clamping base the thrust of the screw-threaded handlewhen screwed home in the screw-threaded extension.

WILLIAM BROWN

